Weedpatch Camp

Weedpatch Camp is a former federal migrant labor facility near Bakersfield, California, with three surviving buildings from the 1930s: a post office, community hall, and library. These structures once served agricultural workers who labored in the surrounding fields.

The Farm Security Administration established this camp in 1936 to provide shelter and basic services for migrant workers during the Great Depression. It represented one of the few government programs that directly addressed the needs of these laborers.

The site functions today as a place where visitors encounter the story of migrant workers who found temporary shelter and community during hard times. The remaining buildings reflect how people organized daily life within the camp's simple structures.

The site is open year-round for visitors to view the preserved buildings and learn about migrant labor history. It is best to check ahead for current access conditions and visiting hours, as these may vary seasonally or by special arrangement.

Photographer Dorothea Lange documented daily life at the camp and created a powerful visual record of migrant worker experiences. Her images remain among the most important documents of this historical period.

Location: California

Inception: 1936

Architects: Works Progress Administration

GPS coordinates: 35.30611,-118.90583

Latest update: December 7, 2025 19:30